Originally Posted by
Blackelk
For me if I do not draw my muzzle loader tag then it will be OTC archery elk. I've shot enough elk that any bull elk with a bow is still a trophy. It is a damn tough hunt to consistently kill bull elk with a bow year after year. But what a fun game to play.
And that is what I love about bowhunting!! The game is addicting!
I agree with what you're saying about the hunt over the trophy. I experienced that firsthand in 2012 in NM for elk with a rifle. We had a guide on private land, but out there, all the land around us was private too. We chased this herd every day and they stayed one step ahead of us the whole week.
We sat down for dinner the evening before our last day, and I looked at my dad and our guide and said if we don't see an elk tomorrow, I will still go home happy. We had an amazing week up to that point with so much excitement. I had never really felt a satisfaction like that before.
The next morning at 0900, I shot my first bull elk! Best experience of my life! Not because of the kill, but getting to hunt like that with my dad and our guide (our friend). The 5x6 was just a bonus in my mind!